Making the act of music visible : theatrical considerations in music composition

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Author

Filoseta, Roberto

Attention

2299/14324

Abstract

This research investigates the music-theatre phenomenon for the purpose of:
clarifying how that differs from more traditional forms of musical theatre, i.e., Opera and
Broadway musical;
discussing its aesthetic bases;
explicating its modes of operation in relation to both music and theatre.
The writing is structured in three main parts. The first concern of the discussion is to clarify the
connection between music and performance. To that end, Part One starts by reflecting on the nature
of music and how its perception has been changed by modern technology, throwing live
performance into question. The notions of physicality, embodiment, and gesture are then invoked
in order to re-position music firmly within the performing arts. Part Two then delves into music-theatre
touching on issues of terminology, artistic scope, positioning, production, funding,
structures, institutions. Part Three, finally, offers some conclusions and recommendations.
The Thesis is then followed by a commentary to the portfolio of compositions accompanying this
research. The musical scores and audio-visual material relative to the works therein discussed are
included on 1 separately bound volume.